10 Black Pioneers In British Football

Ollie Irish

26th, October 2010

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By Ollie Irish

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Picture 9 of 10

John Barnes - Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Barnes moved to England with his family at the start of the 1980s. In 1981, he was scouted by Watford whilst playing for non-league Sudbury Court. Later that year, he joined Watford for the humble fee of a set of kit. He went on to have a hugely successful career, and at a time when casual racism on the terraces was still a big problem - there is a famous image of Barnes backheeling a banana. He won 79 caps for England and his wonder goal against Brazil in the Maracana in 1984 is still remembered as one of the best solo goals ever scored by an Englishman.